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As we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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